Selection 2

How Friar Bacon overcame the German conjuror Vandermast, and made a spirit of his own carry him into Germany.

[…] the King of France sent an ambassador to the King of England for to entreat a peace between them. This ambassador being come to the King, he feasted him (as it is the manner of princes to do) and with the best sports as he had then welcomed him. The ambassador, seeing the King of England so free in his love, desired likewise to give him some taste of his good liking and to that intent sent for one of his fellows (being a German and named Vandermast) a famous conjuror, who being come he told the King that since his grace had been so bountiful in his love to him he would show him (by a servant of his) such wonderful things that his grace had never seen the like before. The King demanded of him of what nature those things were that he would do. The ambassador answered that they were things done by the art of magic. The King hearing of this sent straight for Friar Bacon, who presently came and brought Friar Bungay with him.

When the banquet was done, Vandermast did ask the King if he desired to see any spirit of any man deceased, and if that he did he would raise him in such manner and fashion as he was in when that he lived. The King told him that above all men he desired to see Pompey the Great, who could abide no equal. Vandermast by his art raised him, armed in such manner as he was when he was slain at the battle of Pharsalia: at this they were all highly contented. Friar Bacon presently raised the ghost of Julius Caesar, who could abide no superior and had slain this Pompey at the battle of Pharsalia. At the sight of him they were all amazed, but the King who sent for Bacon and Vandermast said that there was some man of art in that presence whom he desired to see. Friar Bacon then shewed himself, saying: it was I, Vandermast, who raised Caesar, partly to give content to this royal presence but chiefly for to conquer thy Pompey, as he did once before at that great battle of Pharsalia, which he now again shall do. Then presently began a fight between Caesar and Pompey, which continued a good space to the content of all except Vandermast. At last Pompey was overcome and slain by Caesar. Then vanished they both away.

My Lord ambassador (said the King) methinks that my Englishman hath put down your German. Hath he no better running then this? Yes, answered Vandermast, your Grace shall see me put down your Englishman ere that you go from hence. And therefore, friar, prepare thyself with thy best of art to withstand me. Alas, said Friar Bacon, it is a little thing will serve to resist thee in this kind. I have here one that is my inferior (showing him Friar Bungay): try thy art with him. And if thou do put him to the worst, then will I deal with thee, and not till then.

Friar Bungay then began to show his art, and after some turning and looking on his book he brought up among them the Hysperian Tree which did bear golden apples. These apples were kept by a waking dragon that lay under the tree. He, having done this, bid Vandermast find one that durst gather the fruit. Then Vandermast did raise the ghost of Hercules in his habit that he wore when that he was living and with his club on his shoulder. Here is one, said Vandermast, that shall gather fruit from this tree; this is Hercules that in his lifetime gathered of this fruit and made the dragon couch, and now again shall he gather it in spite of all opposition. As Hercules was going to pluck the fruit Friar Bacon held up his wand, at which Hercules stayed and seemed fearful. Vandermast bid him for to gather of the fruit or else he would torment him. Hercules was more fearful and said, I cannot, nor I dare not, for here great Bacon stands whose charms are far more powerful then thine. I must obey him, Vandermast. Hereat, Vandermast cursed Hercules and threatened him. But Friar Bacon laughed and bid him not to chafe himself ere that his journey was ended, for seeing (said he) that Hercules will do nothing at your command, I will have him do you some service at mine. With that he bid Hercules carry him home into Germany. The devil obeyed him and took Vandermast on his back and went away with him in all their sights. Hold Friar, cried the ambassador. I will not lose Vandermast for half my land. Content yourself, my lord, answered Friar Bacon; I have but sent him home to see his wife, and ere long he may return. The King of England thanked Friar Bacon and forced some gifts on him for his service that he had done for him, for Friar Bacon did so little respect money that he never would take any of the King.

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